Cooper Flagg scores 25 in Mavs' loss to Clippers

Dallas rallies from 23 points down but Los Angeles hangs on for the victory.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:28pm

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The Dallas Mavericks fell to the Los Angeles Clippers despite a strong performance from rookie forward Cooper Flagg, who scored 25 points in the game. The Clippers built an early 23-point lead, but the Mavericks mounted a furious comeback before ultimately falling short.

Why it matters

The loss is a setback for the Mavericks, who are fighting for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. Flagg's standout game, however, is a positive sign for the team's future as they continue to develop their young talent.

The details

The Clippers jumped out to a big early lead, taking advantage of poor shooting and turnovers by the Mavericks. But Flagg, the Mavericks' first-round draft pick last year, led the charge as Dallas chipped away at the deficit in the second half. The Mavericks were able to get within striking distance, but the Clippers held on for the victory.

  • The game was played on April 8, 2026.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A rookie forward for the Dallas Mavericks who scored 25 points in the loss to the Clippers.

Dallas Mavericks

An NBA team based in Dallas, Texas that is fighting for playoff positioning in the Western Conference.

Los Angeles Clippers

An NBA team based in Los Angeles, California that defeated the Mavericks in this game.

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What they’re saying

“Cooper really stepped up for us tonight, but we just couldn't overcome that early deficit. We'll learn from this and come back stronger.”

— Jason Kidd, Head Coach, Dallas Mavericks

What’s next

The Mavericks will look to bounce back in their next game against the Golden State Warriors on April 10th.

The takeaway

Despite the loss, the Mavericks can take solace in the continued development of their young star Cooper Flagg, who is emerging as a key piece of the team's future.